Description
A quick and comforting creamy banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers, perfect for busy weeknights. This easy dessert is silky smooth, just sweet enough, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas, sliced (about 12 oz / 350g)
- 1 box vanilla wafers (about 12 oz / 340g)
- 2 cups whole milk (16 fl oz / 480ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (6 oz / 150g)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (1 oz / 30g)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (1 oz / 28g)
- Optional: whipped cream for topping or folding in
- Optional: mini chocolate chips
- Optional: fresh berries
Instructions
- Slice ripe bananas into about 1/4-inch thick rounds and set aside. Separate egg yolks into a bowl. Measure sugar, flour, and milk.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Temper the yolks by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture while whisking vigorously.
- Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly until thick and custardy.
- Remove from heat and stir in softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth and silky.
- In a serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and pudding. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let pudding set and wafers soften without becoming mushy.
- Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream, extra vanilla wafers, mini chocolate chips, or fresh berries.
Notes
Use ripe bananas with brown spots for sweetness and better flavor. Stir constantly while cooking pudding to avoid lumps. Temper eggs carefully to prevent scrambling. Chill pudding for at least 2 hours for best texture. Can be made ahead and stored covered in fridge up to 3 days. Do not freeze as texture changes. Optional add-ins include whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, or fresh berries. For vegan or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted in variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 140
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: banana pudding, vanilla wafers, easy dessert, creamy pudding, weeknight dessert, no bake dessert, kid-friendly dessert